40 Years at the Met: Celebrating a Burnaby Landmark
For 40 years, Metropolis at Metrotown has been where Metro Vancouver gathers – from weekend shopping trips and movie nights to first jobs and immersive experiences. This spring, the centre is celebrating the community that has supported it every step of the way with a nostalgia-inspired anniversary event running April 13 to June 14.
During the two-month celebration, BC’s biggest shopping centre will transform into a walk down memory lane, with interactive art installations, throwback displays, and community happenings.
Anniversary Experiences at the Met
During the Met’s anniversary celebrations, visitors can step into immersive exhibits, share their own memories, and spot playful nods to iconic attractions and moments – from the neon glow of the 80s to jungle scenes of Rainforest Cafe. Designed as a thank-you to the community that has supported the centre since 1986, the event injects nostalgia into new experiences, inviting shoppers to revisit milestone moments while creating new memories.
At the centre of the celebration are experiential installations that encourage reflection and imagination. Highlights include an infinity room, where mirrored surfaces invite visitors to pause, reflect on the past, and take memorable photos.
An interactive message wall invites shoppers to share memories – from favourite stores to long-ago shopping journeys – alongside digital screens showcasing snapshots of life at the Met and across Metro Vancouver over the past four decades.
Throughout the centre, spring décor harmonizes celebration and nostalgia. Hanging blossoms, mirrored disco balls, floral floor decals, and a LOVE installation in the Grand Court set the scene, while playful throwbacks honour the centre’s four-decade history through retro-inspired design details.
Event Schedule
Visitors can join special events throughout the celebration:
April 13: Spend $200 and receive a $20 Met reward (while supplies last)
April 25: DJ dance party
May 1-10: Flower market hosted by Burnaby florist Manites Flowers
May 9, 10 and 31: DIY charm accessory gift with a minimum purchase of $150
May 16-17: Free engraving with a minimum purchase of $200
June 13: Market pop-up by Korean lifestyle brand Amuse Ground by Artbox
June 14: Finale dance party
Additional activities include a souvenir pop-up shop, photo opportunities, and a TransLink merchandise pop-up (May 30 and June 6) celebrating regional connections.
Community Giveback
Committed to supporting local food security, the Met will donate $5 from every spend-and-get reward redemption (up to $5,000) to Burnaby Neighbourhood House's various Food Hubs programs.
“Reaching 40 years is an incredible milestone for any business,” said Amanda Chung, marketing manager, Metropolis at Metrotown. “For decades, families and friends have come here to shop, celebrate, and spend time together. This two-month event is our way of saying thank you to the community that has supported us since day one – while celebrating the iconic moments and shared memories that make the Met special.”
The 40th anniversary celebration runs April 13 to June 14 at Metropolis at Metrotown. The shopping centre is open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 9pm, and Sunday, 11am – 7pm. For more information, visit www.metropolisatmetrotown.com.